From reigning Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions to boarding the next plane out of Cameroon after failing to make it out of the group stages.That is the story of the Desert Foxes from Algeria who were kicked out of the 2021 AFCON tournament following their 3-1 loss to two time African champions Ivory Coast.Initially needing nothing short of a win if they were to have any chance at the last 16, the North Africans terribly failed in their quest as goals from Frank Kessie, Ibrahim Sangare and Nicolas Pepe ensured that they finished Group E in last place having managed a disappointing one point from three games (L2 D1).Substitute Sofiane Bendebka managed to pull one back for Algeria but it proved to be just a mere consolation as the Djamal Belmadi coached side became the second giant to be shown the exit door following the shocking departure of Ghana.The reigning champions are OUT of #AFCON2021▪️ One point in three games▪️ One goal scored▪️ Four goals conceded▪️ Eliminated in the group stageA tournament to forget for Algeria. pic.twitter.com/IYOXt1L3cs— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 20, 2022 In the match staged at the Japoma Stadium in Douala on Thursday evening, the Algerians very much looked like a side that were still reeling from their shocking and debilitating loss against minnows Equitorial Guinea who ended their fairytale 35 match unbeaten streak in their last outing.From the word go, they pushed but without any real conviction of a team that wanted it more than their opponents.After a fairly balanced opening twenty minutes, the game’s first chance presented itself on the 21st minute and it went Algeria’s way who almost took the lead as their quick reaction from a corner routine caught out Ivory Coast keeper Badra Ali Sangare but the Elephants were lucky not to concede as the ball came off the wrong side of the upright.From the next phase of play after that scare, Ivory Coast showcased their European flair in taking the lead as lovely link up play between Arsenal trickster Pepe and AC Milan midfielder Kessie ended up with the latter guiding the ball into the back of the net after a nice cut back by Pepe.It did not take long for Ivory Coast to double their lead as an unmarked Sangare got on the end of a devilish set piece swung in by Serge Aurier to give the team some cushion at the break.🇨🇮 Ibrahim Sangaré appreciation tweet 👏 🐘 He is absolutely everywhere on that pitch! 🏃 #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #AFCON2021 | #TeamCoteDIvoire | #CIVALG pic.twitter.com/bwfio76Gxx— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 🏆 (@CAF_Online) January 20, 2022 Just nine minutes upon second half’s resumption, Pepe got his second goal at the tournament as he finessed the ball past goalkeeper Rais M’Bolhi who could only watch as the ball whistled into the net for the third goal that left Algeria with a mountain to climb.On the hour mark, the Foxes were given a lifeline as the referee pointed to the penalty spot for a soft penalty but team captain and Manchester City ace Riyad Mahrez could not take advantage as his attempt cannoned off the foot of the upright despite beating the keeper.Riyad Mahrez has missed from the penalty spot for the first time since October 2018 against Liverpool at Anfield. He had scored each of his last eight penalties before this evening. #TeamAlgeria pic.twitter.com/iBOoWrIx6n— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 20, 2022 Bendebka pulled one back on the 62nd minute but the Ivorians never allowed them anything else till the end of the match, Algeria crashing out as they finished last in the group with the Elephants finishing top of the table in Group E on 7 points.
